How To Meditate Without Falling Asleep

Meditation is meant to be relaxing. Many people practice meditation lying down as it helps to focus the mind more easily. However, there’s a risk that you’ll become so relaxed that you fall asleep. But is that really a bad thing? Does meditation still work if you fall asleep? And if you want to stop yourself from falling asleep when meditating, how do you do it?
In this article, we aim to answer those questions so that you can get the most out of your practice, allowing you to gain all the advantages that meditation offers.

Does Meditation Still Work If You Fall Asleep

Meditation may help you sleep better overall, but if you fall asleep when meditating repeatedly, you may not be able to take advantage of all the benefits of your practice.
For example, mindfulness meditation is meant to help you become more aware of how your body feels, along with accepting your emotions as they arise. If you fall asleep during a mindfulness session, your mind will be entirely switched off from attaining this goal.

Tips For Staying Awake When Meditating

Of course, getting rest through sleep is also very important, but meditation can help you be more than just relaxed, which is why it can be a good idea to use the following tips as a way to meditate without falling asleep.

Don’t Lie Down

Perhaps the best thing you can do is find a supported position that is still comfortable for meditation, such as sitting on the floor of a chair. This is particularly key if you like to close your eyes during your meditative practice. Some people may still fall asleep whilst sitting up, but lying down will definitely leave you predisposed to nodding off. This is especially true if you’re at the beginning of your meditation journey.

Find A Space Outside The Bedroom

As you spend a great deal of time in your bedroom asleep, the natural tendency will be to drift off if you are practicing meditation here. For that reason, it’s a good idea to find an area outside the bedroom so your brain does not confuse the two activities.
Try a comfortable chair in your living room or somewhere outdoors if you can find the space. Even better is to create a dedicated spot in your home which you use only for mediation.

Practice During The Late Morning Or Early Afternoon

Finding time for meditation can be challenging. However, if you are prone to falling asleep when meditating, it could be a good idea to change when you meditate. Meditating earlier on in the day will ensure you’re less at risk of becoming sleepy.
Many people find an early morning walking meditation or post lunch sitting meditation can be extremely beneficial in helping them have a positive mindset throughout the day.

Try Movement Or Focused Meditation

In addition to changing the time that you meditate, you may find that changing the form of your meditation is required. If you’re feeling tired then a sitting meditation may not be the best option, so try a mindful walk or perhaps even a yoga session.
Additionally, focused meditation can be a great way to combat tiredness while still allowing you to have a more traditional form of sitting meditation. You can keep your eyes open and stare at one object - a candle flame is a good one - to help stop your mind from wandering elsewhere.

Meditate Outside

The fresh air of an outdoor meditation session has many benefits. Not only does it connect you with nature, but the better oxygen levels and varying temperatures can prevent you from falling asleep. Of course, not everyone is lucky enough to have their own outdoor space, but if you have the confidence to meditate in a park, that can be a fantastic way to engage in your meditation practice.

Meditating Without Falling Asleep

If you need to sleep yet are too agitated to nod off, meditation can be an excellent way to calm your mind. Yet, if you also want to reap the rewards of meditation, you need to find a way to stay awake while practicing. The above tips can be used in conjunction with one another, on their own, or with online meditation courses to help you achieve what you want from a meditation session.

For further reading, check out our other articles like 3 Habits to Turn Your Inner Critic into a Wise Advocate.